Rip current statement issued for Mobile and Baldwin counties from Monday to Wednesday

On By Littum

Sunday at 03.07 a current statement was issued by the National Weather Service that was valid from Monday at 6.00 a.m. to Wednesday 6:00 PM for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service states: “Dangerous rip currents are expected.”

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” comments the weather service. “Swim near a lifeguard. If you are caught in a rip current, relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If you can, swim in a direction that follows the shoreline. If you cannot escape, turn toward the shore and call or beckon for help.”

Navigating Rip Currents: Your Survival Manual

Rip currents, the fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore at surf beaches, can pose a serious threat to beachgoers. These currents vary in speed and can quickly become dangerous for anyone venturing into the surf. Even strong swimmers can find themselves overpowered by the force of a rip current. It is important to know how to react if you are caught in one. Here’s what to do, based on guidance from the weather service:

Keep calm – they won’t pull you under:

Don’t panic – rip currents won’t pull you underwater.

Do not swim against the current:

Do not swim towards the beach against the rip current. Instead, swim parallel to the beach and out of the rip current.

If necessary, call for help:

If you feel you cannot reach the shore, relax, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Search lifesaving beaches:

Whenever possible, choose beaches with lifeguards on duty. Their trained eyes and quick reaction can be a lifesaver in water emergencies.

Never swim alone at unguarded beaches:

If you choose to swim at beaches without lifeguards, make it a rule never to swim solo. Always bring a friend and make sure the person has a cell phone to call 911 in case of an emergency.

With this insight into rip currents and how to react, you can increase your safety when enjoying the beach. Stay informed, be vigilant and prioritize your well-being while enjoying the surf.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.